Evansville vs West Lafayette: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Evansville, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,060 | $72,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.72 | $35.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,821 | $54,843▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,961 | $63,564▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,010 | $80,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,760 | $89,936▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 8 |
Verdict
West Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and West Lafayette is $4,735 (6.96%). West Lafayette's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $25,939,West Lafayette spans $35,093. West Lafayette has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Lafayette ($79,732 effective) pays 7.22% more than Evansville ($74,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,936)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,732)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Evansville grew 11.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$59,540 (2019) → $66,200 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$57,536 (2024) → $70,805 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Evansville or West Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and West Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Evansville to West Lafayette as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Evansville vs West Lafayette?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov